Originally posted by eric1965 I am of the opinion DSLRs have their advantages, disadvantages as are EVF cameras.
In an ever shrinking camera market, thanks to all the smartphones, Ricoh-Pentax strategy will most likely shift to more profitable, margin wise, camera systems and yes I would be very happy they implement some successor for the KP at a 1200-1400 USD price point.
Time will tell if a KP successor will be released.
Indeed there are advantages/disadvantages from each.
Time did tell, the market for the new K-3 III was unsurprisingly by and large those Pentax DSLR users who passed up the KP due to its design formula, and continued to wait for the next K-3 series type model with important upgrades- and that is what they finally got. In addition, the new model was to attract some new buyers who wanted some special advantages offered by Pentax, but also were into action shooting, including birding, better burst capabilities, and perhaps better video along with those other attributes inherent in the K-3 series design.
Time did tell also, the market for the KP was and is for those Pentax DSLR users wanting an upgrade into a much more advanced class of camera- of build, controls, and a plethora of useful features, but still keeping to a more compact svelte design for better portability. Its market allure to outsiders being as a viable DSLR alternative to the high-end APS-C mirrorless offerings. Those shopping in this market could very well be drawn to the KP concept with great interest. There is no other DSLR that can fill this appeal other than the KP.
The Pentax appeal for those phone-shooters interested in getting into the advantages offered by a DSLR alternative having great features at an entry-level price, and with WR construction, is the Pentax K-70. For that in Nikon or Canon- none at entry-level. They'd be looking in the $1,000+ range.
The Pentax appeal for getting into a high-resolution, superb-performing Full Frame DSLR, and at a reasonable price, is the Pentax K-1 II. Packaged with the beautifully-performing, well-made DFA 28-105mm WR lens, try to find an equal combo in build, performance, and features at this price elsewhere!
Another important advantage for Pentax, in any of these 4 design choices and price ranges, is the availability of the fine Limited series of compact prime lenses. Additionally, very important are the well-performing zoom lenses, many featuring WR construction, also at a reasonable price. For that, with Nikon or Canon, they'd be lens-shopping again in the $1,000+ range.